ASCE ASCE Construction Engineering and Management 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which scheduling technique uses a network diagram to identify the longest path through a project?
- Critical Path Method (CPM) (Correct answer)
- Gantt Chart
- Resource Leveling
- Earned Value Management
Correct answer: Critical Path Method (CPM)
CPM identifies the critical path—the longest sequence of dependent tasks—to determine the minimum project duration.
Question 2: In construction management, what does 'earned value' (EV) represent?
- The budgeted cost of work performed (Correct answer)
- The actual cost of work performed
- The planned cost of work scheduled
- The remaining budget for the project
Correct answer: The budgeted cost of work performed
Earned Value is the budgeted cost of work actually performed, used to measure project performance against plan.
Question 3: What is the primary purpose of a Request for Information (RFI) during construction?
- To seek clarification on contract documents (Correct answer)
- To request additional funding
- To report a safety incident
- To submit a change order
Correct answer: To seek clarification on contract documents
An RFI is used by contractors to seek clarification or additional information about ambiguous or incomplete contract documents.
Question 4: Which contract type places the greatest financial risk on the contractor?
- Lump sum (fixed price) (Correct answer)
- Cost plus fixed fee
- Cost plus percentage
- Time and materials
Correct answer: Lump sum (fixed price)
Under a lump sum contract, the contractor bears all cost overrun risk since payment is fixed regardless of actual costs.
Question 5: What does the Schedule Performance Index (SPI) indicate when it equals 0.85?
- The project is behind schedule (Correct answer)
- The project is ahead of schedule
- The project is on schedule
- The project is over budget
Correct answer: The project is behind schedule
An SPI less than 1.0 indicates the project is behind schedule, meaning less work has been completed than planned.
Question 6: Which OSHA standard primarily governs safety in the construction industry?
- 29 CFR Part 1926 (Correct answer)
- 29 CFR Part 1910
- 29 CFR Part 1904
- 29 CFR Part 1915
Correct answer: 29 CFR Part 1926
29 CFR Part 1926 is OSHA's construction industry safety standard covering requirements for construction worksites.
ASCE ASCE Construction Engineering and Management 1
Which scheduling technique uses a network diagram to identify the longest path through a project?